Pressure regulator



I July 7, 1936.

M. H. GROVE PRESSURE REGULATOR Fild Dec.-

lO, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 M m l\ I M. U B 2 4 a 3% Z 5 m 7 m INVENTOR. Marl 07 ff. 6 01/ BY w ATTORNEY.

M. H/GROVE PRESSURE REGULATOR July 7, 1936.

Filed Dec. 10, 1954 Mar /77 (fro z e 2- Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

Patented July 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 80mins.

This invention relates generally to devices for automatically regulating flow of fluid. In a typical example, the invention is incorporated in a pressure regulator serving to supply fluid at a substantially constant pressure to a point of demand, from a relatively higher pressure source of fluid supply.

In the past, regulators of the above character have not been entirely satisfactory, particularly where accuracy of regulation is desired, or where operation is attempted over a wide latitude of pressures. Upon opening the outflowside of a conventional regulator utilizing a pressure operated diaphragm, the valve member tends to pop open too far from its seat, with the result that a. surge of fluid through the regulator builds up the outflow pressure to a value above the limit desired. Frequently the surging is not of only momentary duration but reacts upon the regulator to cause uncontrolled fluttering or chattering, with resultant loss of proper regulation and deterioration oi the seating surfaces. Somewhat similar effects are frequently experienced when the flow demandupon the outflow side is a minimum value or is being reduced by shutting down the outflow side, in which event the valve member tends to slap against its seat.

Attempts to alleviate these dlfllculties by increasing the weight or mass of the moving parts are unsatisfactory, and an increase in inertia necessarily involves a loss in sensitivity of response and accuracy.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow regulating device which will avoid the difllcuities outlined above and which will make possible regulation with a relatively high degree of accuracy.

A further object of the invention is to provide a flow regulator which will avoid fluttering orslapping of the valve member upon its stationary seat, and which at the same time will make possible operation over a wide latitude of pressures and flow demands. vi.

Further objects of the invention will appear from the following description in which the various embodiments of the invention have been set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 7

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view, in cross sec tion, illustrating a regulator incorporating the present invention. I

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view, in cross section, illustrating a modified form of regulator incorporating the present invention.

The regulator illustrated in Fig. 1 is of the direct acting type, that is, without aso-called pilot valve, and is designed particularly for use on gas flow lines where the inflow pressure is of relatively high value. To proceed with a detailed 5 description, the device includes a body ill, provided with inflow and outflow openings ill and it respectively. When in use, piping or conduit connected to the inflow opening it serves to supply gas at a relatively high pressure, while piping 10 or conduit connected to the outflow opening it supplies a low pressure system from which gas is to be consumed. As representative of suitable valve means for controlling flow oi gas through the body, the body is provided with a bore it 15 serving to accommodate a valve cage it. The lower end of this cage is shown provided with a. head it oi enlarged diameter, which is externally threaded to screw into the threaded bore ll. The movable alve member i8 is associated with the cage N and is carried upon the lower end of a stem is. The cage serves to guide the stem [9 and also afl'ords a stationary annular valve seat 2i with which the valve member it cooperates. When the valve member is displaced-with 25 respect to its seat, inflow of gas occurs through ports 22, past the valve member and through seat 2|, and then through port's itto the outflow openings II. A compression spring 24 affords a suitable bias of substantially constant value, 30 for normally retaining the valve member iii in closed position. The upper end of this spring is shown seated upon the lower end of the valve member ll, while the lower end of the spring is shown seated upon a sealed closure plug 26. It 3 is evident that upon removing the closure plug 2, the cage ll, together with the valve member II, can be removed from the remainder ofthe regulator.

Thepressure responsive means for causing 40 automatic movements of the valve member i8, is constructed as-followsz-The upper part of the My ID is enlarged to aflord an annular flange 21, and secured to this flange, as by means of bolts 28, there is a dome 29. Likewise car- 45 ried by the upper portion of the body Ill, with its marginal edge clamped between the flange 21 and the dome 29,'t here is a flexible diaphragm material utilized for this diaphragm may vary in accordance with different designs, 50 but in this particular instance it is formed of resilient vulcanized rubber reinforced by cloth. Positioned upon the upper and lower sides of the diaphragm II, are the discs 32 and 33, which are. rigid andvwhich may be made of suitable metal. These discs are securely clamped together upon the opposite sides of the diaphragm, as by means of a threaded stud 34, and they-are of such diameter as to leave a marginal diaphragm portion 38 for flexing movements. Since the discs 32 and 33 move with the diaphragm, they can be considered in general as forming a part of the diaphragm structure. The lower disc 33 is shown provided with a hardened plug 35, to abut the upper end of stem l9.

It is evident that the diaphragm 3| serves to divide the space enclosed between the dome 29 and the body I0, into two chambers 3'! and 33. In a typical regulator, chamber 31 is connected to the outflow side of the regulator, as by means of a duct 4|. Chamber 38 is adapted to contain a predetermined amount of trapped gas under pressure, and it is the pressure within this chamber that determines the pressure which the regulator will maintain upon the outflow side. To enable convenient changes in the pressure in chamber 38, there is shown an arrangement of ducts together with manually operated valves,

to admit additional gas into chamber 38 from the inflow side of the regulator, or to permit excess gas to be vented to the atmosphere. Thus, mounted in the flange 21 01' the body, and in the corresponding flange for the dome 29, are the manually operable needle valves 42 and 43. Needle valve 42 controls flow or gas from the duct 44 to a duct 46, while needle valve ,43 controls flow from duct 46 through duct 41 to the chamber 38. It is apparent that by opening both of the needle valves 42 and 43, gas from the inflow side oi! the regulator can be bled into the chamber 38, to attain a desired pressure, as shown by a pressure gauge attached to the normally closed opening 5|. In venting gas from the chamber 38, it is desirable in many instances, as for example where relatively high pressures are involved, to provide an adjustable max-pressure release valve 52. The bias afforded by spring 53 on the valve member 54 01' this device can be regulated by the threaded sleeve 58. The device is shown mounted upon the flange of dome 29, whereby when needle valve 43 is open, with needle valve 42 closed, adjustments can be made to vent a desired quantity of gas. Likewise, when introducing gas into the dome 29 from the inflow side of the regulator, the device 52 will automatically vent gas to the atmosphere in the event the pressure in chamber 38 exceeds a stated value.

From the above description it is apparent that fluid pressure in chamber 31 tends to urge the diaphragm 3| in a direction to close the valve l8, while the pressure oi. gas in chamber tends to urge the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve member. Pressure in chamber 31 is of course varied in accordance with variar tions on the outflow side of the regulator, while the pressure in chamber 38 remains substantially constant and serves in efl'ect to form a bias on the diaphragm and the valve l8, to determine the outflow pressure to be maintained.

In addition to the bias afforded by the pressure of gas in chamber 38, auxiliary means is providedtending to prevent abrupt flexing movements of the diaphragm, with attendant abrupt movements of the valve member l8 from or against its seat. This auxiliary means consists edge is shown mounted upon the lower inner edge of the dome 29, as by means 0! screws 59. The lower surface contour or the baflle wall 58 is substantially the same as the contour of the upper surface of disc 32, there being a relatively small clearance between these surfaces to form the space 3|. Space 8| is sealed, except that it has restricted communication with the remainder or a value corresponding generally to that or the outflow pressure, that is, 200 lbs. per square inch. When no gas is being discharged from 20 the outflow'side, the regulator is of course in static condition, with valve member I8 engaging its stationary seat 2|, and with the diaphragm 3| at the upper limit or its movement. Under such conditions, the gas pressure in the space 25 8| will correspond to the pressure in the remainder oi the gas chamber 38, by virtue of the communicating orifice 32. Now it a flow of gas is established from the outflow side of the regulator, there is a tendency for valve member |8 to so pop open, and,- as has been previously pointed out, in conventional regulators such sudden opening movement occurs to such a degree as to cause a sudden surge of fluid to flow through the regulator, with resultant building up of the outflow :5 pressure considerably beyond the desired value. However, with the present invention, initial opening movement of the valve member l8, by virtue of a lower pressure in chamber 31, causes a rapid increase in the volume or space 6|, with the 43 result that the gas pressure in the space is greatly reduced. Such rapid rarefaction or reduction of pressure upon the upper side of the diaphragm, which occurs independently of the relatively fixed gas pressure in the remainder of the chamber .43 38, necessarily immediately alters the initial resuiting force tending to urge the diaphragm 3| downwardly, with the result that opening movement of the valve member 8 is checked, and this member does not move so far as to cause a 5. detrimental surge oi. gas to flow through the regulator. Consequently, under such conditions of, operation the outflow pressure remains substantially at the desired value, irrespective of the suddenness with which the demand is imposed.

As a second condition of operation, it will be presumed that a demand is' placed upon the outflow side of the regulator, but the flow maintained at a relatively small value. With conventional regulators, such a condition is conducive to erratic operation and to repeated slapping of the valvemember upon its seat. This is deemed due largely to opening 01' the valve member to too great an extent, with closing of the valve member immediately following flowof a surge of gas to the outflow side With the present invention, repeated slapping of the valve member upon its seat is minimized, not only because surging is prevented in the flrst instance, but also because rapid movement 01' the valve member against its seat is cushioned by the building up oi! pressure in space 6|, to values materially above the pressure in the remainder orthe gas chamber 33 For reasons explalnedabove, it will also be ap- 76 parent that my regulator will operate smoothly to give accurate regulation for other conditions of operation; including a shut-down of the outflow side after a period of gas demand. During periods of medium or large demands upon the outflow side, the valve member l8 seeks a position of equilibrium, and the pressure in space 6|, which is now of considerably larger volume,- assumes substantially the same value as the pressure in the remainder of the chamber 38.

By way of example, I have constructed one regulator in accordance with the details illustrated in Fig. 1, which has been operated with good results for a variation of inflow pressure from 2500 to 3500 lbs. per square inch, over a range of outflow pressures varying from 100 to 1200 lbs. per square inch. For a given setting of the pressure in chamber 38 the variations in outflow pressure over a wide'range of demand, and over a wide range of variations of inflow pressures, do not exceed 5 lbs. In this particular device the diaphragm measures approximately 7 inches in diameter, the valve member l8' has a maximum travel of about inch; the clearance, represented byspace 6|, measures about inch, and the orifice 62 is about 0.052 inch in diameter.

It is of course evident that an increase in the vertical dimensioning of space 6| tends to minimize the compensating forces produced'as explained above. It is for this reason that in practice the clearance is made relatively small, it being substantially less than the total travel of the diaphragm and valve member, in the example given above.

Not only does the modification described above give accurate regulation over the range of pressures indicated, with an absence of uncontrolled fluttering or slapping of the valve member against its seat, but utmost reliability is afiorded with a minimum of wear upon the moving parts. Since chamber 38 is sealed with respect to line flow and with respect to the atmosphere, there is no danger that orifice 62 may become clogged with foreign solids or that foreign material may flnd its way into the space lil.

In the modification of Fig. 2, the invention has been incorporated with a regulator utilizing a pilot valve loaded by trapped gas under pressure. In this instance, the body of the regulator is formed of one part tta, which is provided with inflow and outflow passages t'l and tt. The main valve member 69 is carried upon one end ofa stem ll and co-operates with a removable stationary seating ring 'lt. Clamped upon and sealed with respect to the body part tta, there is a second body part litb, which is bored to receive a bushing it for guiding the valve stem ll. The body part litb is of enlarged diameter and is provided with a circumferential annular flange it. A further body part ttc is provided with a flange it, and the two flanges it and l5 are clamped together by suitable means, such as bolts it.

For effecting movement of the valve stem ll, there is a flexible diaphragm it, the marginal edge of which is gripped between the flanges lit and it. The upper and lower faces of this diaphragm are-engaged by the relatively rigid discs it and it, thus confining flexing movement to the outer annular portion tl. The upper end of stem ll extends through this diaphragm assembly, and is threaded to receive the clamping nut tt and the collar tt. Spring tt serves to bias the valve member tt towards closed position. Since the body parts litb and tile are hollow, the

diaphragm serves to divide the space enclosed by lished through the restricted orifice 89. Like- 10 wise, restricted communication between the in- .terior of stem II and the fluid chamber. is

established through orifice 9|. With such an arrangement, pressures in the chambers 84 and t5 tend to become equalized and controlled vent- 5 ing of the chamber 86 serves to control positioning of the valve member 69.

The pilot valve device, designated generally at 90, for effecting such controlled venting of the chamber 86, incorporates certain features of the invention previously described with respect to Fig. 1 and is constructed as follows:The body of this assembly includes parts 93a and 93b which have annular flanges clamped together to form a sealed connection. The body part 93a is bored to receive 25 a bushing 9t which is formed to afford both a guide and a lower annular valve seat 96. The lower end of bushing 94 is formed to afford a shoulder ill, while the upper end is shown engaged by nut 98, whereby the bushing is main- 9 tained in proper assembled position with respect to the body part 93d. Cooperating with the stationary seat 96, there is a movable valve member 99, which is normally urged towards closed position by the compression spring lt l. Slidably included in bushing 94 there is a plunger ltt, the lower end of which is in abutment with a pin W3 extending upwardly from the valve'member 99.

Positioned within the space enclosed by the body parts tta and ttb, there is a flexible diaphragm ltt, which has its annular marginal edge clamped between the two body parts. The lower face of diaphragm ltt is engaged by a relatively rigid disc ltt, the central portion of which abuts the upper end of plunger ltt. Diaphragm ltt serves to divide the interior of the pilot valve assembly into'two chambers lt'l and ltt, chamber ltt being adapted to contain a predetermined quantity of trapped gas under pressure. Since in the particular example being described it is desirable to maintain the temperature of the gas in chamber l tt at the same, or approximately the same, temperature as that of the gas flowing through the regulator, the body ttb is shown provided with an inner dome ltt formed of suitable material, such as bronze or steel forging. The lower flange portion lll of the dome ltt can likewise be conveniently clamped between the body parts tta and lltb to afford a proper seal with respect to the diaphragm ltt. In order to enable a change in the amount of gas in chamber ltt, a plug lit is provided, which has its inner end welded or otherwise sealed to the dome ltt and which extends to the interior of the body part ttb. A needle valve llt is shown for controlling admission of gas from tube llt, through duct lit, to the interior of chamber ltt. The jacket or space ll'l, between the outer wall of dome ltt and the outer shell formed by body part ttb, can be utilized as a passage for veying a portion of the line fluid, as will be presently explained its auxiliary me associated with the din- 7 side.

phragm I04 to properly control movements of the valve member 88, I have shown arelatively rigid baflie wall H8. The annular margin II8 of this baiile wall can likewise be clamped between flange III and the margin of diaphragm I04 to aiiord a sealed connection, while the lower face of the baiile wall is arranged to have a small clearance with respect to the upper face of diaphragm I04, thus affording the space I2I.

It may be explained at this point that the regulator of Fig. 2 is designed for relatively low pressure operation, as distinguished from high pressure operation intended for the modification of Fig. 1. Therefore, if one were to.vent space I2I by a simple restricted orifice, tendency for the pilot valve 88 to pop over too far from closed position would be prevented, but the cushioning eifect afforded upon closing of the pilot valve member 99 might tend to render the regulator sluggish in responding to shut-oflf on the outflow To avoid this difiiculty, a check valve is utilized in conjunction with the baiiie wall II8, to enable substantially unrestricted discharge of gas from space I2I as the valve member 88 moves upwardly against its seat, with restricted flow of gas into space I2I when the diaphragm is.

caused to move downwardly in a direction to open the valve member. The simple type of check valve illustrated consists of a spring pressed disc shaped flap I22, formed of metal or like material, which has its central portion loosely retained to the central portion of the battle wall II8 by the eyelet-like member I23. Member I23 likewise aflords a restricted oriflce I24 to establish communication between the space I2I and the gas chamber I08. The annular margin of flap I22 may engage the inner edge portion of a gasket I28, this gasket being interposed between the dome flange II I and the margin II9 of the baiile wall II8. A light compression spring I25 can be employed for normally retaining the flap in closed position. Beneath the flap I22 the baiile U8 is provided with ports I21. Thus, suddenupward movement of diaphragm I04, tending to compress gas in space I2I, causes flap I22 to be lifted by pneumatic pressure, with the result that gas in the space I2I is vented without restriction to the remainder of chamber I08. However, rapid downward movement of the dia- -phragm serves to rarely the gas in space I2I,

' side of the regulator or to the atmosphere, it can be caused to flow through passage II1 about the dome I09. Thus, vent ports I29 are shown in the bushing 84, and by means of connected passages I3I and I32, gas discharged through these ports is conveyed to the passage II1. From this passage, pipe connection I33 conveys the gas to the outflow side of the regulator. charging the gas chamber I08, is shown connected to the body part 880, so that by means of a needle valve I34 high pressure gas may be admitted from chamber as. At this point it may be explained that in charging chamber I08, b'oth needle valves I I3 and I34 are opened. To permit a venting of gas from chamber I08, needle valve I34 remains closed, while needle valve II3 Tube 4, for" is opened sutficiently to permit leakage of gas to the atmosphere.

If desired, means can be employed in conjunction with diaphragm 11 to prevent the main valve from popping open too far when compartment 84 is vented. Thus a rigid baflie wail I35 is shown extending over the lower side of the diaphragm, to form a confined space I38, which is vented through the restricted orifice I380.

To insure proper lubrication of stem H for the main valve 88, an intermediate chamber I31 can be formedabout bushing 13; for receiving a suitable lubricant. Ducts I38 in'the bushing serve to convey lubricant to the exterior of the stem I I.

Operation of the regulator described with respect to Fig. 2 can now be briefly explained as fo1iows:-Assuming a given pressure for the trapped gas in chamber I08, that is, with the regulator set for deliveringgas at a pressure of, say, '5 lbs. per square inch to the outflow side, when no demand is placed upon the outflow side, valve 88 is closed upon its seat, the pressures in chambers 84 and 88 are equal and substantially the same as the inflow pressure to the regulator, pilot valve 88 is closed, and the pressures in chambers I01, I08 and in space I2I are substantially equal. It now a demand is placed upon the outflow side, a slight initial fall of pressure occurs in chamber I01, with the result that the diaphragm I04 is flexed downwardly to open the pilot valve 98, thus causing gas from chamber 88 to be vented. At such time, pilot member 88 will not pop open too far, because of the rarefaction which such opening movement immediatelycauses in the space I2I. Venting of gas from chamber 88 upsets the balance upon diaphragm 11, with the result that this diaphragm is also flexed to open the main valve member 89. Here again, the main valve member will not pop open too far, because of the manner in which the pilot valve 89 is controlled and because of rarefaction of gas in space I38. After a period of comparatively normal demand upon the outflow side, if this demand ceases, building up of pressure in chamber I 01 immediately flexes diaphragm I04 upwardly, to cause immediate closing of pilot valve 98, with the result that pressures in chambers 84 and 88 are rapidly equalized to close the main valve 88. As has been previously pointed out, closing movement of the pilot valve member 89 under such conditions occurs rapidly, due to the lifting of flap I22 to enable substantially unrestricted discharge of gas from space I2I.

I claim:

1. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having an inflow passage for connection with a source of fluid under pressure and having an outflow passage for connection with a low pressure fluid supply system, a valve member withinthe body and movable in opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow of fluid through the same, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve member to efiect movements of the same, means forming a fluid chamber on one side of said diaphragm, said fluid chamber having communication with the outflow side of the regulator. fluid pressure within said chamber tending to flex the diaphragm in a direction to effect closing of said valve member, means for biasing said diaphragm and said valve member in a direction towards open position of the same, and auxiliary means associated with the diaphragm serving to oppose abrupt flexing of the same, said last means including a rigid wall extending over'one side of the diaphragm to form a confined fluid space, and means including a check valve for providing restricted inflow, and

substantially unrestricted mitflow oi fluid with respect to said space.

2. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having an inflow passage for connection with a source of fluid under pressure and also having an outflow passage for connection with a low pressure point of fluid supply, a valve member within the body and movable in opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow 1 of fluid through the body, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve member to effect movements of the same, means forming a fluid chamber on one side of the diaphragm, said chamber being in communication with the outflow side-oi the regulator, fluid pressure within said chamber tending to flex the diaphragm in adirection to move the valve member towards closedposition,

' a closed gas chamber formed upon the other side of the diaphragm, said last-mentioned chamber being adapted to contain a predetermined amount of trapped gas under pressure, thereby tending to flex the diaphragm in a direction to effect opening of. the valve member, a relatively rigid baiile wall disposed in the last-mentioned gas chamber in spaced relationship with the diaphragm but in relatively close proximity to the same whereby a confined gas space is formed between said baflle and said diaphragm, a re-' stricted orifice establishing communication between said conflned space and the remainder of the last-mentioned gas chamber, and a pressureoperated check valve serving to permit substantially unrestricted flow of gas from saidconflned space to the remainder of the gas chamber.

3. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having passages for inflow and outflow of fluid, a valve member within the body and having a substantial travel of movement in. opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow of fluid' through the same, a flexible diaphraginw connected to the valve member tor conjoint;.-;. movement with the same, a rigid wall extending over one side of the diaphragm and parallelthereto to form a conflned fluid space, the distance between the adjacent surfaces of the diaphragm ard the wall being a minor fraction of the travel of the valve member when the valve member is closed, comparable to the practice oi aflording a distance 01. one thirty-second of an inch for a total valve travel of three-eighths oi an inch, and a restricted oriflce serving, to vent trol flow of fluid through the same, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve member for conjoint movement with the same, a rigid wall extending substantially entirely over one side of the diaphragm and parallel thereto to form a confined fluid space, the clearance between the adjacent surfaces of the diaphr and the wall when the valve member is closed, being a minor fraction of the total flexing movement of the diaphragm when the valve member is moved from closed to open positions, and a restricted orifice serving to vent said space, said restricted oriflce being comparable to the practice of providing an oriflce opening or about 0.052 M ter, where the diaphragm is about 4 inches in diameter, and serving to materially impede fluid flow into said space.

5. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having an inflow passage for connection to a relatively high pressure source of fluid and also having an outflow passage for connection with a low pressure point of fluid supply, a stationary valve seat formed within said body, a movable valve member cooperating with the seat and having a travel of movement in opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow of fluid through the body, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve member to effect movements of the same, means forming a fluid chamber on one side of the diaphragm, said chamber being in communication with the outflow side of the regulator and fluid pressure within the same tending to flex the diaphragm in a direction to move the valve member towards closed position with respect to the valve seat, means forming a closed gas chamber upon the other side of the diaphragm, said last-mentioned gas chamber serving to contain a predetermined amount of trapped gas under pressure, whereby such presthe diaphragm, the clearance between the adjacent faces of said baiiie and said diaphragm, when the valve member is closed against said seat, being substantially less than one-half of the total flexing movement oi the diaphragm in moving the valve member between full-open and closed positions, and orifice means for establishing flow attenuating communication between the space formed by the said clearance and the remainder of said gas chamber, the aforesaid clearance aflorded, and said restricted oriflce, being comparable to the practice of providing a clearance of fi oi an inch with an ortiflce opening or 0.052 inch in diameter, where the diaphragm is about 7% inches in diameter and the diaphragm has a total flexing movement of of an inch, whereby flexing of the diaphragm while the valve member is in the proximity of its seat is accompanied by wide variations in pressure with-. in said space.

ii. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having passages for inflow and outflow oi fluid, a valve member within the body and having a travel of movement in opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow oi fluid through the same, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve member for conjoint movement with the same, a rigid wall extending substantially entirely over one side of the diaphragm to form a conflned fluid space between the wall and the diaphragm, an orifice of relatively small diameter serving to vent said space and serving to materially impede fluid flow into said space, and means forming a fluid space upon the other side oi the diaphragm, said fluid space having a venting oriflce oi materially greater diameter than said first-named oriflce to freely subject the diaphragm to pressure.

'1. In a fluidpressure regulator, a body having passages for inflow and. outflow of fluid, a valve member within the body and having a substantial travel of movement in opposite directions between open and closed positions to control flow oi fluid through the same, a flexible diaphragm connected to the valve ember for conjoint movement with the same, a rigid wall extending substantially entirely over'one side of the diaphragm and parallel thereto to form a confined fluid space, the clearance between the adjacent surfaces of the diaphragm and the wall when the valve member is closed, being a minor traction of the total flexing movement of the diaphragm when the valve member is moved from closed to open positions, an oriflce of relatively small diameter serving to vent said space and serving to materially impede fluid flow in o said space, and means forming a fluid space upon the other side of the diaphragm, said fluid space having a venting oriflce of materially greater diameter than said first-named oriflce to freely subject the diaphragm to pressure.

8. In a fluid pressure regulator, a body having 'an inflow passage for connection to a relatively high pressure source of fluid and also having an the diaphragm, said chamber having an orifice of relatively large diameter for communication with the outflow side of the regulator and fluid pressure within the same tending to flex the diaphragm in a direction to move the valve member towards closed position with respect to the valve seat, means forming a closed gas chamber upon the other side 01' the diaphragm, said last-mentioned gas chamber serving to contain a predetermined amount of trapped gas under pressure, whereby such pressure tends to flex the diaphragm in a direction to move the valve member towards open position, a rigid baine wall within said lastmentioned chamber and extending across said other side 01' the diaphragm, the clearance between the adjacent iaces oi said battle and said diaphragm, when the valve member is closed against said seat, being substantially less than one-half of the total flexing movement of the diaphragm in moving the valve member between full-open and closed positions, and an orifice of smaller diameter than said first-named oriflce for establishing flow attenuating communication between the space formed by the said clearance and the remainder of said gas chamber.

wmvm' H. Gaovn. 

